Having finished as runners-up in Group C, the UAE will continue their Asian Cup campaign on Sunday in Qatar, with a last-16 tie against tournament debutants Tajikistan. Here we look at some of the national team’s main talking points leading into the knockout stage, as Paulo Bento’s side plot a path to the quarter-finals.
Deciding on the role Ali Mabkhout will play – if any
The decision to opt for Sultan Adil rather than Ali Mabkhout to lead the line for the UAE in the opening two matches surprised somewhat.
At 19, Adil had made only four senior appearances for the national team; Mabkhout, 33, sits as the country’s record goalscorer. But Bento went for the younger, more physical frontman in the games against Hong Kong and Palestine. Adil responded by scoring in both.
Yet a knee injury sustained in the latter ruled out the on-loan Ittihad Kalba striker for Iran on Tuesday – and, dependent on how far the UAE progress, possibly the tournament. However, instead of being restored to the starting XI against the group leaders, Mabkhout was omitted from the squad altogether.
The UAE coaching staff has explained the absence on the grounds of “technical and tactical reasons”. It will be intriguing to see if the 2015 Golden Boot winner, who has nine Asian Cup goals in all, is back in contention for Sunday.
Finding the right balance in central midfield
Abdullah Ramadan, the accomplished Al Jazira midfielder, has become a staple at the heart of the UAE side – fitness permitting – dating back to Bert van Marwijk’s first stint as manager.
Ramadan provides the guile in midfield, his long-range passing precise, his eye for a killer through ball sharp. In the past few years, he has offered the invention alongside Ali Salmeen’s industry.
However, Salmeen has had a chequered injury record of late, forcing Bento to look at other candidates to buttress his midfield. Yahia Nader started against Hong Kong, but the balance seemed off, the UAE too porous through the centre.
Majid Rashid came in for the Palestine encounter and did well, especially with his side reduced to 10 men from 37 minutes. He was selected again against Iran.
The feeling, though, remains that Salmeen, whose Asian Cup has been limited to almost an hour altogether as a substitute, is the ideal candidate to protect the UAE defence.
Improvement at full-back feels a necessity
It is an issue that has long plagued the UAE. For some time, the obvious choice on either side of the defence appeared to be Mahmoud Khamis, on the left, and Bandar Al Ahbabi, on the right.
However, Khamis slipped from view during Van Marwjik’s tenure, and in truth never did excel with the national team. Al Ahbabi, however, continues to represent an unexpected omission by Bento.
Instead, when employing a flat back four, the Portuguese has plumped for Abdullah Idris at left-back, and either Zayed Sultan or Khalid Al Dhahani at right-back. Idris and Sultan have each looked suspect, but they do have only 10 international appearances between them.
Against Iran, and with standout centre-back Khalifa Al Hammadi suspended, Bento went with a five-man defence, moving Al Dhahani more central and playing Harib Abdullah deeper, at left wing-back.
Although that gave the UAE a strong base from which to build, they are expected to revert to a four in the last 16. The make-up of the full-backs could play a key part in deciding the tie.
Al Ghassani aside, extract more from offensive options
Preferring to employ a 4-2-3-1 system, Bento places great emphasis on the three attacking midfielders to support the lone frontman, both in creating chances but also in chipping in with goals.
To the latter point, Yahya Al Ghassani has stepped up in Qatar, converting from the penalty spot against Hong Kong and then striking the all-important goal against Iran that secured runner-up spot in the group – by the finest of margins, on goal difference.
Finishing sublimely after a great solo burst, it also displayed Al Ghassani’s fortitude: he had earlier seen his spot-kick saved as the UAE spurned a golden opportunity to equalise.
Yet Al Ghassani, who played that match as the side’s spearhead, could do with some other players carrying the offensive burden. And, in Ali Saleh, Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo and Tahnoun Al Zaabi, the UAE should have no shortage of suitors. The country’s chances of going deep will depend on others stepping up.
Embrace being able to quietly go about business
While qualifying for a fourth successive Asian Cup knockout stage should not be taken for granted, the UAE have not been at the forefront of the headlines in Qatar.
The hosts, for one, have rebounded brilliantly from their hugely disappointing World Cup on home soil, winning all three group games.
Iraq registered the greatest result of the opening rounds by defeating Japan, the tournament favourites. Jordan, and then Malaysia, both threatened famous wins against South Korea, only to be pegged back in both to draw. Tajikistan have won hearts by getting into the last 16, on tournament debut while, in joining them there, Syria and Indonesia evoked plenty of emotion.
And, perhaps the story thus far: Palestine will for the first time contest an Asian Cup knockout match, somehow coming through in the most trying circumstances given the devastation back home.
The UAE, therefore, are flying under the radar somewhat. Which, given that can bring with it less expectation and hence reduced pressure, could be used to their advantage.
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Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Juliet, Naked
Dir: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke
Two stars
RESULTS
5pm: Watha Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
Winner: Dalil De Carrere, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Mohamed Daggash (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Pharitz Al Denari, Bernardo Pinheiro, Mahmood Hussain
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Oss, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: ES Nahawand, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: AF Almajhaz, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
8pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: AF Lewaa, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qaiss Aboud.
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final
Kashima Antlers 3 (Nagaki 49’, Serginho 69’, Abe 84’)
Guadalajara 2 (Zaldivar 03’, Pulido 90')
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Super heroes
Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue
Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate
Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues
Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking
Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses
Thor
He's a god
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
